A shrine with beautiful vermilion buildings at the foot of the Kirishima Mountains, where the myth of the descent of the grandson of the sun goddess (Tenson Korin) is told. Kagoshima Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in Kirishima."
The principal deity is Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu Omikami, who is said to have descended onto the peak of Takachiho-no-mine at Amaterasu's command. An ancient shrine also recorded in the Engishiki, its current buildings were constructed in the mid-Edo period with donations from Shimazu Yoshitaka, lord of the Satsuma domain. The main hall, offering hall and worship hall are designated National Treasures.
The vermilion main hall, offering hall and worship hall are National Treasures, and the covered stairway corridor and the Chokushiden (imperial envoy's hall) are Important Cultural Properties.
The "kumen" carvings on the shrine buildings are said to have inspired a unique belief, as the word sounds like "kumen," meaning to raise or manage money.
A tree said to be associated with the Ama-no-Iwato myth, and a highlight of a walk around the grounds.
A sacred peak rising behind the shrine, said to be the setting of the descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto.
It is introduced as having a unique tradition of praying for financial fortune, because "kumen" (nine faces) sounds like the word for managing money.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
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⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Shosanbetsu, Tomamae District, Hokkaido
A shrine below Cape Konpira facing the Sea of Japan, symbolized by its vermilion "torii in the sea" standing at the water's edge. Hokkaido's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot where you can feel the energy of the sea breeze and rough waves.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hirosaki, Aomori
A shrine at the foot of Mount Iwaki, known as "Tsugaru Fuji," affectionately called "Oiwaki-sama" or "Oyama" by locals. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot rooted in mountain worship.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hachinohe, Aomori
A shrine on the top of Kabushima Island, a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls designated a national Natural Monument. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot associated with blessings for good luck and wealth.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata
Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, Mount Haguro forms the "Dewa Sanzan" (Three Mountains of Dewa), a sacred site of mountain worship long known as a center of Shugendo ascetic practice. Tsuruoka City's tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and at the Sanjin Gosaiden hall on the summit you can pay respects to the deities of all three mountains at once.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Shiogama, Miyagi
Standing on Mount Ichimori overlooking the town of Shiogama, this shrine, affectionately known as "Shiogama-sama," is a guardian of the Tohoku region and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Mutsu Province. Miyagi Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as "one of Miyagi's top power spots," and Shiwahiko Shrine is enshrined on the same grounds.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Takasaki, Gunma
A shrine on the slopes of Mount Haruna, its grounds surrounded by strange rock formations and ancient trees. Takasaki City's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot filled with a sacred atmosphere, and Gunma Prefecture's tourism site calls it "one of the leading power spots in the Kanto region."
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Fukutsu, Fukuoka
A shrine in Fukutsu, famous across Japan for the "Path of Light," when the setting sun sinks into the sea straight ahead of the approach. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a Fukuoka power spot that invites happiness.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Usa, Oita
Regarded as the head shrine of all Hachiman shrines in Japan, this is Oita Prefecture's most representative shrine. Oita Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and spots associated with blessings are scattered across its spacious grounds.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Dazaifu, Fukuoka
Considered the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines in Japan, it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the deity of learning, culture and the arts. Fukuoka Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a must-visit power spot in Fukuoka.
⛩️ ShrineKyushu ・ Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki
This shrine is set in the landscape of the Ama-no-Iwato myth, and its object of worship is the Ama-no-Iwato, the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself. Miyazaki Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as one of Japan's leading power spots, and the Amano-Yasugawara cave along the Iwato River is also a popular stop.
⛰️ NatureKyushu ・ Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki
A gorge lined with cliffs of columnar basalt, representative of Takachiho, the land of myths. Takachiho Town's official website introduces Manai Falls, which plunges into the gorge, as a power spot.
History and what each place is known for are based on the shrine or temple’s official site and on local government and tourism association information. Opening hours, fees and limited-time items are not listed — please check the official site before you go.
